Success in education lies at the heart of the Government's agenda for economic strength and social justice. We are committed to giving every young person the skills, knowledge and confidence to develop to their full potential and contribute fully to society. Raising the aspirations of young people from all backgrounds is key to unlocking their potential and generating a world class education system.
Academies are a key element of the drive to raise standards; raising aspirations and creating opportunity in some of the most disadvantaged communities in the country. Academies have a mission to transform education where the status quo is simply not good enough. We want academies to be the engine of social mobility.
The overall aim of the programme is to provide more quality places where educational opportunity and attainment is inadequate - raising aspirations and transforming the life chances of children in communities that have been neglected for far too long. Most academies replace existing underperforming schools, others provide high quality places in areas that need the extra places (either as entirely new schools or as successful independent schools wishing to better serve their local community and broaden their intake), and a small number are high-performing schools federating with weak schools as a school improvement strategy.
As well as providing the best opportunities for their pupils, Academies have a key part to play in the regeneration of communities. A new Academy will be a significant focus for learning for its pupils, their families and other local people. Academies will help break the cycle of underachievement in areas of social and economic deprivation whether in inner cities, suburban or rural areas.
Each Academy will offer local solutions for local needs. Each will be different, drawing on the expertise of its sponsors to help develop its own distinctive ethos and mission. Whether they involve new buildings, refurbishment, or both, Academies will be innovative in design and built to high environmental standards.
